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Coke Studio Hits the High Notes at UNILORIN

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The expansive grounds of the University of Ilorin lie at the centre of Ilorin, Kwara State, where North melds into West. It is slightly surprising to watch the sea of hijab covered heads and bodies sheathed in abayas hurrying toward the main bowl of the sports complex, from where the sounds of contemporary Nigerian music thrum. Clearly, UNILORIN refuses to fit any stereotype.

There’s a mad dash for the Red Cross booth at 2pm when the MC, Veejay Tipsy, announces that things are about to get started. Students wait impatiently, but in an orderly queue, for their temperatures to be checked and their hands sanitized.

“The World Health Organisation has declared Nigeria Ebola free, so why are we going through this?” a male student mutters to his friend.

“Guy, it’s better to be safe, abeg”, his friend responds, holding out his palm for a dollop of sanitizer.

The sun is merciless this afternoon. A mass of students make a bee-line for the shade of the stands. Others however shrug off the stinging rays to inspect the double-decker Coke Studio bus and take lots of “selfies” with friends.

“Man, that studio is dope” Fabulous BTG, a 300L student of Physical Science tells his friends “It’s got two 70 inch flat screen TVs, and the studio is phenomenal. I recorded a track in it yesterday, and guys, I’ve been shortlisted for the competition today. I hope I win. I would love to rap onstage with Reminisce. It would so make my year” he added.

That wasn’t to be, unfortunately. Fabulous BTG battled aspiring R&B singer, Ayeesha; rappers David Hunter and Generous for a chance to perform live with “Ligali” hit maker, Dammy Krane. 400L Library Science student Ayeesha’s sultry tones and steamy performance won over the crowd, which poured out of the stands to watch the highly entertaining rounds of the singing competition.

Rappers Lurge, LaVida, M’Kiddo, Sauce, Usain and Whalez took turns at the microphone next, vying for an opportunity to stand beside Time magazine listed “rapper to watch” Reminisce. Whalez, a 400L student of Microbiology shone in the round to thunderous applause from the students leaning against the barricades.

The crowd ran wild, when “Ori E” and “Bobby E” hit-maker, Zeez, got things started, reminding the students of the catchy beats of his run away hits. Hip-hop artiste, Jaywon, kept the tempo up with "This Year", "Angelina" and "Tana Wole" before “The enterkraner”, Dammy Krane, sent the students screaming, as he performed "My Dear" and "Ligali".

Caught up in the excitement and feeding off the manic energy of the crowd, Dammy Krane first threw his neckpiece and then his jacket into the crowd, before crowd-surfing on the shoulders of two guards as the huge crowd sang "Sabi Dance" with him, before he bowed out with his “closing prayer”- Amin.

Things came to a head when "Alaga Ibile ", Reminisce, was chauffeured into the arena. For half an hour, a group of students circled the vehicle, hoping to get a glimpse of the rapper. Everyone was stunned to see him on stage. “How on earth did he escape?” The students wondered as they rushed forward into the arena and poured out of the stands to get closer to the action.

Reminisce did not disappoint, performing "Kako bi Chicken"; "Too Mussh" and "Quality", with the massive crowd chanting along and screaming “Alaga Ibile” at intervals.

“I went to a Polytechnic o” Reminisce reminded the audience.

“See me now. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. Your dreams are within your reach o. For those of you who desire a career in music, platforms such as Coke Studio are absolutely important for your development”. He added before drawing the curtain on the show with mega hit "Daddy".

Brand Manager, Colas, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Olufemi Ashipa, who also doubles as the Project Manager, Coke Studio Concerts, expressed delight at the success of the Ilorin outing, which was the eighth Coke Studio Campus Concert of Coke Studio Season 2.

"I am really impressed by the participation and enthusiasm of the students. Ilorin is renowned for its great musical tradition so we decided to give aspiring artistes from the University this opportunity to perform on stage with some of Nigeria's best. This has totally exceeded our expectations “he commented.

The Coke Studio Campus Concert was conceived as an extension of the televised Coke Studio Africa show which brings together artistes from all over the continent to create a new and authentically African sound from different genres and styles of music.

In addition to Unilorin, it has toured eight major campuses in Nigeria with many of the country’s hottest music stars. These include Lagos State Polytechnic, University of Benin, Abia State University, University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Port Harcourt and CRUTECH.

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About Coca Cola Nigeria Limited

Coca-Cola Nigeria, an active citizen of the community and one of the most respected companies in Nigeria, is a subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company, the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world's most valuable and recognizable brands, our Company's portfolio features 17 billion-dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitamin water, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks.

Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of more than 1.9 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates.

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, offering over 500 brands to people in more than 200 countries. Of our 21 billion-dollar brands, 19 are available in lower- or no-sugar options to help people moderate their consumption of added sugar. In addition to our namesake Coca-Cola drinks, some of our leading brands around the world include: AdeS soy-based beverages, Ayataka green tea, Dasani waters, Del Valle juices and nectars, Fanta, Georgia coffee, Gold Peak teas and coffees, Honest Tea, Minute Maid juices, Powerade sports drinks, Simply juices, smartwater, Sprite, vitaminwater, and Zico coconut water. At Coca-Cola, we’re serious about making positive contributions to the world. That starts with reducing sugar in our drinks and continuing to introduce new ones with added benefits. It also means continuously working to reduce our environmental impact, creating rewarding careers for our associates and bringing economic opportunity wherever we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people around the world.